Tokyo: Emperor Akihito was discharged from University of Tokyo Hospital on Sunday after undergoing heart bypass surgery and rehabilitation, the Imperial Household Agency said.

After undergoing surgery for angina on February 18, the 78-year-old emperor went through cardiac rehabilitation programs, such as stair-walking and using exercise equipment. His doctors said the emperor needs one week or so of rest before returning to official duties. But Imperial Household Agency officials said he strongly hopes to attend a government-hosted memorial service on March 11 in Tokyo to commemorate the victims of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan. The emperor and the agency will decide on his attendance after monitoring the progress of his recovery, they said. After displaying symptoms of minor ischemic charge, the emperor underwent a diagnostic test in mid-February, which showed narrowing in some of his coronary arteries.
PTI